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Choosing the right swim cap requires you to consider your swimming conditions and needs.

When you look at the swim caps that are available to you, it may not be clear why there are caps made from different materials. The goal of wearing a swim cap is the same, no matter which one you choose. However, you need to know how to pick the best swim cap for you so you don’t find yourself having trouble once you start using it, such as durability issues and fit.

Durability

One of the most important elements of your swim cap is its durability. In general, a silicone swim cap will be the most durable. The material is a bit thicker than the latex swim caps and is resistant to stretching. This means you can use the cap over and over for longer periods of time without worrying about it stretching out and not fitting properly. Silicone is also less likely to become damaged if you leave a wet cap in your swim bag.

Temperature

In addition to durability, you need to consider the temperature of the water in which you swim. Because silicone is a thicker material, you will want to avoid this type of swim cap if you are going to consistently swim in water that is above 81 degrees Fahrenheit. If you swim in warmer water and choose silicone, you are more likely to overheat. Latex will help your head breathe better, making you more comfortable as you swim.

Effort

You will need to consider more than the temperature of the water in which you swim. You must also consider how hard you will work. Just like participating in aerobics, you can work up a sweat if you are going to be swimming hard. If you will be working out hard in the hot sun, you may want to choose a latex swim cap instead of a silicone one, even if the water temperature is lower.

Choosing the best swim cap for your style of swimming will ensure you don’t run into any problems. You will need to consider many things while making your choice, including the durability you require, the temperature of the water and how hard you will work. While silicone swim caps are more durable than latex swim caps, they are also warmer, making latex a better choice for warmer pools and hard workouts in the sun. For some people, one of each can work best, but for many others, choosing one or the other is sufficient.